Eddie Howe said he feels “devastated” for Newcastle fans after their surprise 1-0 loss to League One side Cambridge in the FA Cup on Saturday.
After the match, Howe shared more bad news for Newcastle supporters, confirming that top scorer Callum Wilson will be out for eight weeks following a scan on his calf injury.
This defeat to Cambridge means Howe has managed just one win since taking over from Steve Bruce back in November.
Over 50,000 fans filled St James’ Park to see Newcastle fall short, and when asked about the crowd’s support, Howe said: “We’re devastated for them.
“The atmosphere was fantastic, such a great vibe all through the game, even after we went behind; they really wanted the team to get back level.”
“It didn’t completely surprise me – since I arrived, that’s been how our supporters have acted.”
“Devastated for them, I feel their pain and it pushes me to try harder to repay their faith and support by winning games soon.”
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Kieran Trippier says he is ready for the challenge and will fight to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League
The Cambridge victory has extended Newcastle’s poor run in the FA Cup – they’ve only made it as far as the quarter-finals once since 2005. This season marks the 15th time in 16 years that they’ve gone out at either the third or fourth round.
The day was supposed to be celebratory with Kieran Trippier making his debut after signing from Atletico Madrid, but Joe Ironside’s second-half strike turned it into a disappointing afternoon for Newcastle fans.
The Magpies had 23 shots during the match but couldn’t break through Cambridge’s strong goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov. Howe admitted missing Wilson hurt them.
Newcastle now have to cope without their striker until March due to his calf problem. Howe explained: “He had a scan yesterday because there was some doubt about his first scan and we needed him to rest up some more.”
“I think he’s going to be out for eight weeks.”
Howe also mentioned that Newcastle’s owners visited the dressing room after the game to talk with players. He said this gesture was supportive and welcomed by everyone.
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Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan (left) with co-owner Amanda Staveley during the FA Cup third-round match at St James’ Park
“Yeah they did pop in to see the players,” said Howe. “I personally wasn’t there at that moment – I met up with my coaching team afterwards.”
“I believe they were very supportive of our players, pointing out that we’re all together fighting to stay in this league and they’re fully behind us.”
“I can’t thank them enough for backing us like that – it really helped our players feel united because this battle we’re facing right now isn’t just on us; it’s a team effort across everyone involved.”
“The fans have been brilliant so far. The owners wanted to show support directly and it was much appreciated.”
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Eddie Howe would not comment directly on reports linking Newcastle United with Lille defender Sven Botman
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